The time a bank transfer takes depends on several factors including whether it is domestic or international, the banks involved, the currencies, and the transfer method. Domestic Transfers:

• Transfers between accounts within the same bank usually happen on the same day

• Transfers between different banks domestically typically take one business day, sometimes a few hours, depending on the bank's cut-off times and processing schedules

International Transfers:

• International wire transfers generally take between 1 to 5 business days, but can sometimes take longer due to currency conversion, fraud checks, intermediary banks, and time zone differences

• Transfers between regions with direct banking connections (e.g., North America to Europe) tend to be faster.
• Some banks offer same-day or expedited international transfers for a fee, provided the transfer is initiated early in the business day and no currency conversion is needed

• Currency conversion can add up to 2 working days to the process

• Transfers using SWIFT internationally average about 18 hours but can extend to several days depending on circumstances

Other Influencing Factors:

• Transfers initiated after the bank's daily cut-off time will be processed the next business day

• Weekends, bank holidays, and public holidays delay processing since transfers only happen on business days

• Security and fraud prevention checks can add extra time

• Incorrect details or missing paperwork can cause delays

Summary:

• Same-bank transfers: same day.
• Domestic transfers between banks: usually 1 business day.
• SEPA (Eurozone) transfers: usually 1 business day, sometimes instant (within seconds) if using SEPA instant transfer

• International transfers: 1 to 5 business days, sometimes longer depending on factors above

Thus, a typical bank transfer takes from a few seconds (instant transfers) up to 5 business days for international transfers, with domestic transfers usually completing within one business day.